Apr 29, 2008

Gael Monfils and Fernando Gonzalez are not only making their debuts in the BMW Open at Munich this week but it is also their first time dressed up in lederhosen (leather trousers) and a full traditional Bavarian costume.They took time out to visit Munich’s world famous restaurant and brewery ‘Hofbräuhaus’.

However, in Barcelona where Rafael Nadal is also playing, another player Fernando Verdasco is not interested in dressing up. He followed compatriot Tommy Robredo's footsteps as he posed in the buff for UK Cosmopolitan magazine's Everyman campaign.

Verdasco felt that entire Barcelona could see him naked during the rooftop shoot (click here to see Verdasco's version here). He is scheduled to appear in the July edition of the magazine.(Images fromThomas Exler/ATP)

Well, it's not exactly parent-bashing as what Down the Line! claimed in his blog. It's not that serious actually. I must say that Roger Federer has been quite a gentleman for just saying "Be Quiet".

Personally I find Novak Djokovic is the one who is annoying (and his family too). It's not the first time he pulls out from critical matches halfway through especially playing against big players. I can't really remember the exact matches but Down the Line! has cited:

"It sounds like he gave up big time. But, no one knows how serious or not his condition is right now. However, this retirement is the fourth since 2007: two in Davis Cup play, semifinals of Wimbledon '07, and Monte Carlo - all big matches, right?"

Djokovic pulls out from the match citing sore throat, dizziness and fatigue.That's very unprofessional, isn't it?

Apr 28, 2008

"Maybe I didn't play my best for sure. But it's tough against him and he deserves to win in the end... because he's a hell of a clay court player" - Roger Federer

Rafael is definitely the best clay court specialist in the Open Era. He has just made a historic win last night at Monte Carlo by winning 4 consecutive titles in a row. What more he won the doubles final on the same night together with Tommy Robredo!

I was worrying in the second set when Federer lead by 4-0. Who knows Nadal will fight back and win the second set 7-5. That's exactly the same Rafael Nadal and his fighting spirit when I first saw him play at the Australian Open against Lleyton Hewitt in the quarterfinal.

Now, Rafael Nadal, the undisputed claycourt king, will be out to maintain his dominance when he chases a record fourth consecutive title at the Barcelona Open, which starts today.